Aug. 17, 2002
Wildcats Scrimmage: Quarterback Jared Lorenzen threw the ball very well, completing eight of nine passes, in a controlled scrimmage Saturday afternoon at the Nutter Training Facility.
Clad in full pads for the first time this season, the Wildcats scrimmaged during the second hour of the day’s two-hour workout. The first-team offense and defense looked good against their second-team counterparts.
“The first-team offense moved the ball well and the first-team defense looked good,” Coach Guy Morriss said after the scrimmage. “I think we were a little flat, frankly, but it is later in the week and the kids are tired. They’re having to push themselves mentally and physically.”
Making Lorenzen’s high completion percentage even more impressive was his selection of receivers and his downfield accuracy. Five different receivers made catches and only one reception was by a running back. The highlight for the first-team defense came when free safety Quentus Cumby picked off a pass and raced to the end zone for a touchdown.
“Jared looked good, with a nice touch on his deep ball,” Morriss said. ” I think the first-team defense looked OK, and when they get some people back it will help.”
Four defensive starters sat out the scrimmage, including tackle Dewayne Robertson (infected foot), safety David Johnson (knee), and cornerbacks Leonard Burress (abdominal muscle strain) and Derrick Tatum (knee sprain). One offensive starter missed the scrimmage as tackle Antonio Hall sat out because of a sprained ankle.
Tatum received good news as his MRI test on his knee was negative. Morriss noted that Robertson and Hall might return to practice on Monday.
True Freshmen Making an Impression: Coach Guy Morriss has stated that he would like to redshirt the entire freshman class, but acknowledged that some of the first-year players might be needed this season. Asked about the freshmen who were impressive during the first week of practice, Morriss mentioned wide receiver Glenn Holt, running back Arliss Beach, cornerback Bo Smith, and offensive linemen Michael Aitcheson, Hayden Lane, and Jared McGowan. Morriss also cautioned that it is “a little early yet” to be making decisions on true freshmen who could see game action in 2002.
Team Workout, Giveaways Highlight Fans’ Day on Sat. Aug. 24: A team workout and numerous giveaways – including a Grand Prize trip for two to an away football game – highlight the annual UK Football Fans’ Day on Sat. Aug. 24 at Commonwealth Stadium.
Here is the schedule of events:
*Tailgating available during the day in the stadium parking lots
*”Inflatable Football Land,” a play area for children, opens at 4 p.m. next to the UK Ticket Booth
*Stadium Gate 4 and Stadium Gate 9 open at 5:30 p.m.
*The first 2,000 fans entering the stadium will receive a ticket for a free hot dog and drink
*Each person entering the stadium will receive a numbered ticket for the prize drawings
*Posters, schedule cards, team photos, and autograph cards will be distributed on the stadium concourses
*Football media guides and souvenirs will be on sale
*UK volleyball, women’s soccer, and men’s soccer posters and schedule cards also will be given away
*On the field, the football team begins workout warm-ups at 5:40 p.m.
*At 6:30 p.m., the UK Band, Cheerleaders, and Pom Squad take the field for the pregame show
*At 6:50 p.m., the team will re-enter the field and have a 30-minute workout
*After the workout, the players will be available for autographs on the field for approximately one hour and 15 minutes
During the player autograph session, the prize drawings will be held. The grand prize is a trip for two to a UK away football game, including air travel, hotel, and game tickets. The list of additional highly attractive prizes includes two football season tickets with parking; a golf package for a foursome at the University Club; a 27-inch television; four autographed footballs; eight game helmets; four game jerseys; a golf bag; and a UK tailgating grill.
